Be your own personal stylist

Another question I get asked A LOT is "What do I wear?"Well, what do you want to wear? What do you feel comfortable in? What is YOU!?That will give you a pretty good start. After that- here are some dos and don'ts to really make your portraits POP!1. Layer up! (my number one rule )

Photographs are not like every day life, there isn't any movement and the world as the viewer knows it is completely flat (the world of photography does indeed prove Magellan wrong) so it's up to you and your background to create that movement and depth. Layers, from a stylistic stand point, also make you look like you are a complete fashionista all the time (even if every other day you wear t-shirts.) It gives your outfit just a little added extra.

2. The days of matchy matchy are OVER, but that doesn't mean you still can't coordinate!

While matching is not a rule, it can add a nice cohesive feeling to the photograph. While all dressing in clean white or looking sophisticated in all black can still pass as ok in modern times, picking any other 1 solid color and plastering everybody in it is just too much! If everyone can't agree on one color to coordinate with, at least picking common color tones can still give you that same color cohesion you might be looking for.

3. Pick a pop of color

To add a little visual interest and excitement to your portraits try picking an extra fun color and throwing that into the mix! This is especially great to do with kids!

4. Accessorize

You can not believe how much an accessory can add to an everyday outfit. Maybe it's a headband, hat, showy necklace, scarf. Whatever it is, it adds some visual interest and goes with the layer rule- it makes you really look like you know what you are doing in the fashion world.

5. Add a little personality

There's nothing that I love more then when people let their true personality shine through! Don't be afraid to do something a little different and a little over the top! If you want a portrait like you see in the magazines and on the web, then you need to dress the part. Most of the time what people don't even realize is that half the reason why they love an image that they draw inspiration from is not just the lighting or the pose, but the outfits showcased. They can really set the tone and give the portrait true individuality. 

6. Don't forget the details

Details are what's going to separate you from the little guys. They are the things people often over look, and although they may be small, or go unnoticed in some shots, the 1 shot they DO show up in, you'll be so happy you took the time to remember! Things like shoes, painted nails, rings, belts...

I have my prints, now what?

This year my focus is educating people. I know I keep saying that but I feel like it's really important! I want them to understand what an awesome experience professional, custom photography is. I want them to understand it's far beyond walking into a room, smiling, and then placing a simple order.

To help with that, I've reconstructed the way I do things.

NOW when you book a session with me you get a pre and post session consultation, along with other bonuses.The presession consultation helps me better understand you and what you are looking for and it helps you better understand me and my creative process- but this WHOLE thing is for another entry!The post is where we do a viewing and put together an order for you.

Along with that I want to show people how their portraits can become their OWN art and how it goes past just ordering some prints. Why fill your walls with images from places you've never been, or $20 mass produced meaningless sunsets? Why not take what you love, what you base your whole life around, and showcase THAT on your walls! Not only will it constantly bring a smile to your face, it will help keep you in check in times of a pitty party- it will remind you of what truly matters most in life...

With that being said, that also evokes what I hope to be, again, a whole new blog entry sometime soon (picking out print sizes and wall layouts for your home) yet also brings me to my main point-

What happens once you get your prints!?

First off I want my clients to know I am there to help, 100% beginning to end! You need help with frames, you call me! You need help figuring out a wall collage at your house, I'll come over! I'm not going to ditch you at the most important part of this project- the final display. Although, if you have your own handyman or are good with visuals, then you got this! It's not a scientific method, it's whatever looks right and makes your room feel whole!

In short (bc like I said, this is a whole new entry) you have prints in hand, you've picked your wall, you know your configuration.... now what? 

Here are a few tips I have for you:

On a budget- Hobby Lobby.

This store has the answers to all my life questions, I swear! Better yet- they offer sales ALL the time! You can wait and purchase frames for 50% off or just download the Hobby Lobby App for your smart phone and you have 40% at your fingertips 24/7! Brilliant!

When purchasing a frame try to get something that will complement your image and the style of your home. Don't go cheap- this is the finishing touch.

Try to find a frame with matting included. This will not only make your print look more finished it will prevent the print from being pushed directly onto the glass, causing air bubbles, and if it gets moist, damage.

Custom look on a budget- Hobby Lobby Backless Framing

Backless frames are just that- backless. Most common in large sizes, they are not 100% custom due to the fact that are premaid but they can give you that custom look by you getting a larger size, adding matting in the color of your choice, and having HL finish it off for you by cleaning the glass, securing the image in, paper the back AND putting a hook on it for $1. You seriously CAN NOT beat this option!

You can still use your 40% off on the frame, bring a friend, have them get 40% off your glass for you, and now you have a custom look for a lot less!

Not only does it make your print look "finished" and more special, look at the size you gain! In the example below you can see how we've taken a print and added atleast 3 extra inches to it's width and height by adding a thick frame and matting- this is good bc it not only protects the print like we talked about and makes it look very high quality, but it also can save you some money on your prints if you are on a budget. You can now "fake" the next size up by adding matting and a frame!

Handmade Options- I'm going to be honest, do I really like doing "shout outs" for big box stores- no, not really, but I like to think realistically and in a way that makes things simple for busy people. BUT! Let's not forget about the DIY projects. Pinterest is OUT OF CONTROL with DIY projects. Get a can of spray paint and go at it!! Look out of the box at resale shops like Kristy's Kloset in Port Huron or even the Goodwill! Don't want to do it yourself, look up amazing handmade products on sites like Etsy.com I am all for supporting the local art community so ask around!

Custom Framing-

Although people think of this as a pricey option, sometimes it's a must. Sometimes your house, the shape of your wall, the look of the room calls for something 100% custom. This is where they build a frame to exactly what size you want, they cut the matting in the style you choose, and they insert the images, finishing them off with the paper back and hook like I mentioned above. This option is great for wall collages bc it allows you to mix and match sizes. It's also great for sequence images or images you need to showcase together to create drama. Above all else this look is YOUR look 100% and is MADE to fit YOU! I'm sure there are several great options out there but one local business that has a great reputation is Proper Framing in Down Town Port Huron.

We Can Do It!

As Ricky would say, "Lucy, you got some 'splanin' to do." And I do. I owe it to you ladies to truly explain to you what Pin Up is all about, bc it's not what many of you think, and I think after this little "chat" you will find the inner pin up in you, as I have as well.

Why do I LOVE pin up photography? Is it because I am a sexy girly girl? Don't make me laugh! I am far from sexy! I love to wear tall army boots, high top sneakers, or throw on a back pack and hike into the middle of nowhere. I'm just growing my hair out from a mohawk and I just upgraded my closet from 2 dresses that I wear about once a year to 3. So- do I have some hidden side to me? No. I appreciate Pin Up for what it is- creative, fun, angelic, timeless, and above all else- confidence.

Pin up isn't about being a size 2, it's not about being Vogue cover material, and it's not about being half naked in a centerfold. It's about having confidence in yourself, stepping out of your box, not caring, appreciating yourself, and producing an image even your grandma could enjoy- and I really mean all of that!

Let's have a short history session- pin ups were originally photographs or paintings that men would literally 'pin up' on their walls, next to their bed, or when they were off in the war. They weren't scandalous, they were simply a flirty version of your everyday girl!

This all started last year when I ran my first pin up special. I only did it bc it was close to VDay and I wanted to try something different, plus it was as close to model / fashion photography that I was going to get, which is a passion of mine. I was pretty naive about the true essence of pin up, looking back now, but it has truly taught me so much.

Like what you ask? Well, last summer was the first time in probably 10 years that I have went into public with shorts on. Don't understand what I am trying to say? I'm saying that even at 5 foot 2 and 104 pds I was too self conscious to go out, anywhere, in shorts bc I didn't want ppl looking at my body. I would sweat and die in the middle of summer in jeans before I would put on a pair of shorts- you might catch me in a skirt... Then I started doing these pin up parties. I started dressing up for them too. I started photographing myself for promos. And before you know it, I had bought a pair of high wasted black shorts and wore them out to an event our town has that draws in more ppl than you could ever imagine, and I didn't think twice about it. I liked those shorts, I was going to wear them, I was going to rock them, and I did not have one care in my mind about who saw me in them bc I felt good! And I 100% accredit that to my Pretty Little Pin Up Parties.

Was it because being around group after group of these girls who were booking parties was empowering? Was it because I saw myself in some of these nervous yet beautiful girls? Or was it because it taught me curves are awesome and there is not 1 girl out there with a "perfect" body and that's even more awesome, bc all that means is that we are real, living, human beings that can all relate on the same level- we aren't perfect and you're a joke if you think you are!

Aside from it being a great emotional experience for me, let's talk about you really quick. Sure, you can book a party with me, it can be a girly day, but I want it to be more for you! I want it to be that day when you realize you have the potential to be timeless, a show stopper!! I'm not here to judge. If you do want to get photographed as a nude goddess, well girl, you work it!!! But that's not what I'm offering at my parties. So when you book a party with me, yes, your price includes my set up, my time, my props, your hair done, your make up done, and all that jazz. But it also pays for that first day in your life when you realize you're a women, you're strong, you don't have to hide under that coat, no matter what size you are, no matter what shape you have, and you're going to do it in a way that is SO classy it's going to make even the sexiest of girly girls jealous.

And above all us, keep that inner child alive- no girl should ever turn down the chance to play dress up. <3

“Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.”

― Marilyn Monroe

Anything is possible, while driving

So my husband and I have this thing. Every time we go on vacation, or drive fairly far away (and I find we actually do this quite often...) we find ourselves talking about "crazy" things we hope to one day accomplish or ideas we would love to live out. I say "crazy" bc, really, are they so crazy? Or are they just crazy because we've been taught to live safely, to not take unneeded risk, to be happy with what we have. And while I AM happy with what I have, and I don't really consider myself risky, and I am one to worry about everything, I am, by far, probably more than anything, 

a very big dreamer.

The "problem" with this? So is my husband. This causes my dreams to, at times, get even further out of control! That's why I think we have gotten this far in our relationship without killing each other though, especially during times of actually living out some of our "crazy" dreams- like finish the construction of a house (that contained only plywood and studs) by ourselves at the age of 20, both start our own business by the age of 25, and the countless DIY projects we have taken on,bc we secretly love it. 

With that being said, my latest road trip talk was taking my business to the next level this year. It consumed several hours of our trip to Savannah from Michigan. This talk was different though. This talk felt really in my grasp, and I was EXCITED, so so so excited about it.

I keep saying I'm really looking forward to this year, but it's here! We're living it! 2013 has begun and I feel like in a few short weeks I've kicked it into high gear. 

I'm READY!

Are you..........?

So,when do you dream? What's your "crazy" talk?

Make it not so crazy. Make it not just your dream.

Live your dream.

Today.